Cardiology research

In the Department of Cardiology, we maintain a heavy academic interest in improving the lives of our patients through careful research and scientific study.

We offer a range of diagnostic tests and treatments that are not offered anywhere else, and focus on ensuring that patients are offered the utmost in advances in recent evidence based medicine. The Alfred co-ordinates several large international research trials while also running focused tailored trials for patients, offering close clinical contact and access to cutting edge research.

We have a number of collaborative studies with Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, the Burnet Institute and other Alfred Health departments including Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, Infectious Diseases, Cardiothoracic Surgery and Intensive Care. Several distinguished members of the department have published in the key academic journals in cardiology, from the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology and European Society of Cardiology.

We firmly believe in patient centred care, and offering the latest that research has to offer is part of that.

Current research

Heart failure research

Professor David Kaye and his colleagues in the Heart Failure and Transplant service undertook a series of studies to investigate the causes and to develop new treatments for patients with heart failure.

Electrophysiology research

Cardiac imaging research

Professor Taylor’s group was the first in the world to utilize cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) T1 mapping techniques to quantify diffuse myocardial fibrosis in humans, where it is associated with heart failure severity.

Structural Heart research

The Structural Heart Program commenced in 1995, when the team were pioneers in Australia, being the first to provide Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) in Victoria in 2008. TAVIs are provided to high risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. This program continues to be one of the largest in Australia.

Lipid research

Those of us who have been treating patients with high cholesterol levels, in some of whom this was genetic (Familial Hypercholesterolaemia or FH), were frustrated “in the old days” by absence of a powerful cholesterol lowering drug.

Hypertension research

Acute coronary syndromes research

Dr James Shaw is currently the Director of Education and Training in the Cardiology department. Whilst being an interventional Cardiologist Dr Shaw has participated in numerous research projects. Major areas of interest include: hyperlipidaemia.

Circulatory support research

The Alfred Heart Failure and Transplant service remains committed to ongoing research to improve the quality of lives for patients living with VADs and advancing the management of these patients for the best clinical outcomes.

Partners

Publications

Managing patients after implantation of a cardiac rhythm management device

Patel HC, Raju H, Voskoboinik A, Mariani JA

(2017),
Med Today, 18(5),

Clinical recommendations for cardiovascular magnetic resonance mapping of T1, T2, T2* and extracellular volume: A consensus statement by the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) endorsed by the European Association for Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI)

Contact us

The Alfred

Participate in clinical trials

Do you want to help us improve the lives of people with heart disease? You could be part of one of our many research trials. Every volunteer remains confidential and will only be used for the purpose of approved research projects. You can withdraw at anytime.